Book review – Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
“Don’t stop when you are tired. Stop when you are done.” This is one of the execution steps David Goggins includes in his Warning Order at the beginning of the book. These two simple sentences are not only great advice but they also sum up this book well. Pain and exhaustion are just speedbumps on the road to self mastery. If you let them stop you, you will never realize your true potential.
There are so many things in this book that resonated with me. Goggins had a horrible childhood and faced many obstacles that others around him didn’t have to deal with. He was the only many times in his life. It can be hard being the only different one in a sea of similarity. You don’t know where you fit in. You have to navigate different challenges that aren’t even on other people’s radar. For many years, Goggins let these challenges hold him back. Eventually he fell into a habit of eating his feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. He felt stuck in a relationship and a job he didn’t want.
When Goggins decided to get his act together, he started facing himself in the Accountability Mirror. He called himself out. He looked into his own eyes and told himself the hard truths. He started to hold himself to a higher standard. He began to crave discomfort. He used it as fuel. There were many setbacks for him. Many times he had to start back at square one. But that only fueled the flames of his desire. He used questions like, “Why am I here,” and “What if,” to dive deeper into himself.
His life story and accomplishments are mind boggling! His resume sounds like it should belong to four men, not just one. Goggins is a living example of what you can do when you stop letting fear and pain hold you back. In the book, Goggins lays out 10 challenges to help you master your mind (and your life). I will definitely be implementing these challenges into my life.
I have zero desire to run on broken legs or go to battle like Goggins did but he proved to himself and the world that you can come from nothing and push yourself to beat unthinkable odds. Pain is just part of life, it doesn’t have to hold you back. You can achieve the seemingly impossible if you put in the hard work. I loved this book. Goggins’ life story is a testament to the true inner strength we all have within us. He decided to tap into his strength. Will you?
I rate this book:
If this book sparks your interest, join my online book club!
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